I decided to share some insights about everyday culture in the broadly defined “Arabia” — the wider Arab world. Specifically, about the female body after childbirth, motherhood, and care during the first days of a baby’s life. There is much to learn, to be surprised by — and most importantly, to rethink.
Recognition of Labor: Birth as an Event, Not a Trial
The first surprising point for us: in Arab countries, a woman who has given birth is truly valued. She is not expected to work in the kitchen the very next day while holding the newborn, nor to organize a celebration for the birth. Because giving birth itself is enough. It is labor that is recognized.
Care Traditions: Physical Support and Space for Recovery
The new mother is put to bed and fed nourishing meals: chicken broth, strong cinnamon tea, warm food — all to strengthen her. She is bathed in olive oil. People speak quietly, no uninvited guests. She is given at least a week of rest. To help the belly recover faster, it is wrapped with a cloth for 40 days.
The 40 Days After Birth: Female Space in Religion and Culture
In Islamic tradition, the husband must provide the wife with peace during the 40 days after childbirth — the period of postpartum discharge (lochia), considered ritually impure. But in practice, this is a justified pause for the body. Breastfeeding up to two years is common in Muslim countries — a practice worthy of respect.
Milk Myths: Halva and Tea Instead of Water
We share a belief with Arabs — halva. It is said to increase milk quantity and make it richer. It is given not only to the mother but also to the child (!). Also, sugar with anise is wrapped in gauze and placed near the baby “for good bowel movements.” Grandmothers worldwide agree: a smooth baby is a healthy baby. So bread soaked in sweetened tea appears in the diet from the first weeks of life…
Postpartum Infant Care: Salt, Oil, Compresses
On the second day after birth, the baby is rubbed with olive oil and salt, wrapped in such a compress for the night, and bathed in the morning. A kind of spa treatment for infants.
The Secret of Warmth: Wrapping the Belly
One of the most curious customs is additionally wrapping the baby’s belly. They say: “If the belly gets cold, there will be diarrhea.” This statement has no scientific basis, but everyone knows it locally. Adults also “have problems” from cold bellies. This is knowledge without explanation, folklore influencing behavior even more than medicine.
Motherhood Without Sugar — a Foreign Exoticism
About me, rumors have spread in the desert:
- I undernourish my child,
- I underdress,
- I don’t give water before six months, even when hiccupping,
- I don’t give sugar, chocolate, ice cream (!),
- I give apples with skin,
- Food is served in pieces, not pureed…
In short — a motherhood shock for most surrounding nationalities. Who raises children like that?
WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience.
Cultural Diversity as a Resource
These everyday details are deeper than they seem. They reveal views on the body, recovery, community, and the family role. Yes, Arabia is vast and diverse, and even one small person, observing from inside, can make many interesting discoveries.
What have you encountered in intercultural motherhood? Share — let’s continue this mosaic together.
